Fire destroys business near Waterloo

The state fire marshal is being called in to investigate a fire that destroyed a family business near Waterloo early today. The fire broke out around 3:30 this morning at a pallet-making business in rural Black Hawk County. The business is located next to the home of the family that owns it. The family was awakened by the fire and reported it. Firefighters from Raymond, Gilbertville and Dunkerton found the building that housed the business completely engulfed when they arrived. Crews put the fire out in about an hour, but remained at the scene for more than six hours extinguishing hot spots. Raymond fire chief Russ Frisch says the building was destroyed, and a semi-trailer filled with pallets that was parked nearby was also damaged. Crews kept the fire from spreading to the family’s home or other buildings on the property. No injuries were reported.